Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio is expected to coach basketball as part of the school's Dec. 14 alumni game.AP Photo

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio is expected to return to his roots as a basketball coach and help coach in next Friday's alumni game at Jenison Field House, according to athletic director Mark Hollis.

Dantonio would serve as a co-coach with Jud Heathcote, and the two would square off against a team coached by Heathcote's former star, Magic Johnson, and Gus Ganakas.

"My first year out of college I actually was an English teacher in high school and coached jayvee basketball and also coached the football team as well," Dantonio said in October on his radio show.

"I bet you didn't know I was a basketball coach, did you? Probably Coach (Tom) Izzo doesn't know that either, I don't think."

With Izzo, Heathcote and Ganakas in the building, the Spartans' three coaches since 1969 will gather together to welcome back their former players.